NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – With NYFW’23 right around the corner, there are always new designers, faces and brands to watch for. Thanks to fashion designer Jerra Whittaker, TOXIK could be the hottest and newest name in New York.

Set to formally unveil her new collection during Season 8 at RISE NYFW September 8th, Whittaker’s TOXIK was recently given their official stamp of approval from the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in being formally recognized as a fashion brand to showcase their line in New York.

Born and raised on a Midwestern farm, Whittaker has shadowed and learned under famed designers such as Gianna Versace in college and dressed the likes of fashion supermodel, Victoria Henley. With what is expected to be a groundbreaking and much-talked about collection debut, Whittaker is on the cusp of something special with TOXIK.

Below is my Q and A with Jerra as we discuss TOXIK, the rise of trans models, NYFW and her upcoming shows in Milan and Paris.

Who Is She?

First off, congratulations on all of your recent success at TOXIK, and also officially being recognized by the CFDA, what do you feel are some of the reasons behind the rise and growth of your brand?

Thank you, and thanks for this interview, I am humbled and absolutely taken aback by all of this.

I think the biggest reason for our growth is amazing photography and a commitment to public relations and solid marketing strategies. The plan has always been two seasons of name building to create that expansion space within the industry, then fully launch the brand on an artistic platform.

RiseNYFW is just that platform.

Big enough to put on a quality well managed show, centered around artists and the actual fashion industry. Lena and Christopher’s company is amazing because they make the designers the driving force behind their collections. It’s less about the distraction and more about getting the collection in front of the press, the buyers, and the public.

 

Define TOXIK. What makes it stand out as a fashion line, brand and identity?

Wow good question indeed. TOXIK was my vision from a very young age, quality cutting edge garments that make you want to wear them. I honestly believe we stand out because of solid trend research, a working real life experience of the history of the fashion cycle, and the ability to push the artist edge in every design.

Artistic stagnation kills a design house as fast as being too over the top avant garde. You have to find that balance that blends both together and moves fashion forward. I learned that early on and it’s fundamental in fashion design.

 

Who were your influences growing up as a designer? Who has helped shape and influence you now and why?

Okay, so I grew up in the Midwest on a farm and family was and is everything. My Great Grandmother Nina and her Sister, my Great Great Aunt Mabel were instrumental. They taught me to hand sew, cut fabric, and the basic of design. My Home Economics teacher Linda Witter introduced me to sewing machines and I loved that class. Later in college, I shadowed Gianni Versace in South Beach, for my design class. That experience was instrumental in my training and early career.

 

Up to this point, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment and success as a designer?

This is an interesting question. I have had a lot of wins in my career. Most recently, Toxik was selected to dress supermodel Victoria Henley for her events. I have been fortunate to dress my amazing friend, Actor and Recording Artist Daniel DiCriscio from Los Angeles as well.

I am working with another musician for some stage looks as well. My biggest accomplishment has been giving back to others and sharing ideas with others in the industry. I love to see others win too. It makes my heart happy to see people succeed and build themselves into their own life picture.

 

As a trans woman in the fashion industry, and with the rise and acceptance of LGBTQ+ models and influencers in the industry, what are your thoughts on this growing trend?

I knew we would go there, and this is another good question. I am a transsexual woman. I live my life everyday like anyone else, just a lot happier now as just Jerra, after medically transitioning years ago.

I just try to blend into the tapestry of life, just being me. I don’t live the “trans label”, labels are for garments and caned goods. I just do not reside at the trans address. I do know this, we are all just people getting through this thing called life.

I don’t see things like gender identity, race, color, ethnicity or any of that. I just see people for their character, ability, and how they treat others. The queer community has been and always will be part of the human experience. I do honestly believe that what we are witness to is more people feeling comfortable living their true lives, not hiding and scared for being themselves.

Looking back to the 80’s and 90’s, Lauren Foster (first trans woman to appear in Vogue) and Caroline Cossey (first trans Bond girl) were early transsexual women in the industry that are extremely successful today. As far as the rise and acceptance of queer people in the fashion industry, we have always been there, unfortunately political parties like to drag the queer community and spread misinformation.

 

You’ve done shows now in New York and at NYFW, it sounds like you have some exciting new things on the horizon! What should fashion lovers expect from TOXIK this fall?

Trade secrets time…I hear through the rumor mill that spring is going to bring the Pantone Color, Apricot to the scene. As far as Toxik, cutting edge new looks with big bright colors. You know I love to make fun garments and club dresses are my go-to look every season.

I mean no women has ever uttered the words “I have too many cute club dresses”, I am not sure that is even a thing. Now, I am not giving away the farm here, as far as my collection, but expect Fun, Sophisticated, and a little avante-garde twist by using some fashion fabrics in very new ways. I guess people will have to come to the show and see this collection.

 

Any future projects, goals and shows coming up?

The future is so exciting!!! I can share that Toxik is working with Victoria Henley on a shoot in Milano, Italy, then Toxik will showcase in Paris, France in late September.

The schedule keeps going through December, we will showcase in Toledo, Ohio, at the Flaunt Fashion Fundraiser for Equality Toledo, then December we wrap up in Gulfport, MS with Magnifique.

 

Any final thoughts on the growth of TOXIK, the future and what your long-term goals and vision for the line are?

As far as goals, short term is to get this collection sold, long term is to secure a bigger facility and bring on associate designers to help shoulder the load next season. I think getting some more ideas in the mix is vital to making the brand progressive. I would love to acquire a some key equipment that would move Toxik into a full design and pattern maker.

Those are big ticket items that will come with time. Toxik’s growth is inevitable I do believe. That growth will be internal at first, steady is a key word here. No need to over extended right now, and definitely not expand to quickly. I want to see this grow from love and quality not quantity.